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In Denver, Colorado, anti-icing on interstate freeways reduced snow and ice related crashes by 14 percent.
Date Posted
05/22/2008
Identifier
2008-B00535
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Synthesis of Information on Anti-icing and Pre-wetting for Winter Highway Maintenance Practices in North America: Final Report

Summary Information

This report obtained information from literature reviews, agency surveys and phone interviews on the advantages and disadvantages of anti-icing and pre-wetting for winter highway maintenance. Anti-icing is considered a proactive approach in areas where liquid chemicals could be applied early enough (prior to precipitation) to prevent snow or ice from bonding on roadway surfaces. Pre-wetting is typically used as a reactive measure to improve conditions on roadways already covered in snow and ice. In these areas roadway surfaces were treated with pre-wet solid salts and abrasives to enhance ice melting, and reduced the tendency of dry materials to scatter and bounce off roadways.

The research reveals that compared to traditional winter weather maintenance strategies, anti-icing and pre-wetting techniques lead to improved pavement conditions, decreased use of chemical products and abrasives, decreased maintenance costs, lower accident rates. The goals for transportation agencies to utilize proactive winter maintenance solutions include maximizing traveler safety, improving levels of service, mitigating environmental concerns, improving public relations, and identifying cost savings.

The methodology consisted of literature searches and a questionnaire sent to maintenance professionals in 18 states and 2 Canadian provinces. Those that responded to the questionnaire received a follow up interview. The questionnaire explored the state-of-the-practice for winter highway maintenance and documented the advantages and disadvantages of anti-icing and pre-wetting strategies. Many maintenance managers surveyed indicated that the best approach to winter maintenance is to utilize a combination of all tools available. Results are based on the opinions of those interviewed and the statistics they provided.


FINDINGS

In Denver, during a 12 year study involving anti-icing strategies on the interstate system, they saw an average of 14 percent decrease in snow and ice related crashes and more than 23 percent increase in traffic volume.

Synthesis of Information on Anti-icing and Pre-wetting for Winter Highway Maintenance Practices in North America: Final Report

Synthesis of Information on Anti-icing and Pre-wetting for Winter Highway Maintenance Practices in North America: Final Report
Source Publication Date
08/20/2005
Author
O’Keefe, Katie, and Xianming Shi (Western Transportation Institute)
Publisher
The Pacific Northwest Snowfighters Association, and the Washington State DOT
Goal Areas
Deployment Locations